Project Status

Project Status refers to what I am currently working on and the level of completeness; a road map. As jobs are completed they will be checked off.

If you have read the Research and Development section you will recall that I am constructing the simulator in stages. Before moving to a new stage, I ensure everything in the previous stage is, as much as possible, working correctly. I don't want to be working on too many things simultaneously.

The simulator is fully functional ('Thunderbirds Are Go'), however, evolution rarely is static; alterations and improvements occur regularly as I replace reproduction parts with OEM parts.

Project Status (November 2019) (C - Completed)

Main Instrument Panel (MIP): Retrofit of FDS MIP to OEM compliance (screws, panels, frames, etc). An ongoing task that runs in the background. (C 80%)
Replacement of Potentiometers: The potentiometers that are responsible for the control of the roll and pitch from the movement of the flight column will be replaced with high-end military specification rotary string potentiometers. This will enable more accurate calibration. (C)
737 Thrust Lever handle skirts: Design and fabrication of NG compliant skirt (shroud) for thrust levers. Skirt will incorporate OEM TOGA buttons - prototype complete. Final version awaiting fabrication.
(C 90%)
737 FLAPS Conversion: Investigating use if a synchro board and ARINC 429. In the interim I have connected the flaps with servos to OEM pin-outs.
AFDS Conversion: Captain and First Officer side fully functional. (C)
SMART Interface Module: Design, construction and installation of SMART interface module to operate FLAPS, AFDS units and Fuel Flow toggle. (C)
Forward and Aft Overhead Panels: Development of the forward and aft overhead. The overhead will be modular and to determine how to wire and connect everything efficiently, requires considerable forward thinking and planning. Most of the OEM gauges, panels, knobs and annunciators have been acquired; however, construction will not commence until all items have been obtained. (C)
BOEING CDU/FMC Unit Conversion: Fully functional using SimStacks Foundation Board. (C)
OEM MIP Korrys: Replacement of all annunciators and switches on the MIP with OEM annunciators (Korrys) and switches. This includes the push to test and DIM functionality using OEM relays. (C)
OEM MIP Panel Replacement: Procurement of OEM MIP panels, light plates, knobs, rotaries, etc to replace all reproduction items. Most of the panels have been acquired with the exception of a few lower kickstand panels. Once obtained, the MIP frame from Flight Deck Solutions will be discarded for a customized MIP frame that is 1:1 to the OEM version or an OEM MIP. It takes time (in some cases years…) to find the panels. (C 70%)
Throttle Issues: The 737-300 throttle quadrant had several problems with the conversion. it was rudimentary and automation was not possible. One thing lead to another and much of the mechanism has been replaced with a more advanced and reliable mechanism. The new throttle quadrant (737-500) compared with the old is like 'chalk and cheese'. The throttle quadrant conversion has been a learning process and the changes will be documented in a separate post. (C)
Interface Modules: Design and construction of interface modules to replace the trial Interface Master Module (IMM) which was a trial module to investigate he feasibility of using the modular concept to house all interface cards, relays, etc. Three replacement interface modules have now been completed: the Throttle Interface Module (TIM), the Throttle Communication Module (TCM), the System Interface Module (SIM) and the Interface Alert System (IAS). (C)
Overhead Flight Deck Frame: OEM 737 overhead is being used. Various OEM panels are being converted. (C 90%)
OEM 737 Transponder Panel: Converted using ARINC 429 protocol. Will be installed when 115 AC inverter unit has been shipped from the US. (C)